GAME DAY INFORMATION
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DATE: Oct, 17, 2023
TIME: 7:00 PM ET |
LOCATION: Athletic Training Center
DeLand, Fla.
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GAME DAY LINK
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LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
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THE LEAD
Stetson men's soccer will return home for their final two-game stand as they prepare to host the University of South Florida Bulls for the last non-conference game of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the ATC on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The game will be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available on GoHatters.com
INSIDE THE SERIES
The Hatters and the Bulls have met seven times prior to this mid-week matchup as Stetson trails in the all-time series 1-6. However, the Hatters have had the upper hand as of late, winning their last meeting on Oct. 12, 2022 in a 3-2 victory on the road.
Luis Lara scored in the final minute of that game to break a 2-2 tie and send the Hatters to victory. The Hatters trail 1-5 when playing on the road but have only seen the Bulls once in DeLand, falling 0-1 on Sept. 2, 2007.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (5-4-4, 2-1-2 ASUN)
The Stetson men's soccer team currently sits fourth place in the ASUN standings with a 2-1-1 conference record, accumulating 8 points, tying them for second most in the conference. With an overall season record of 5-4-4, the Hatters seek to get back in the win column as they finish off their non-conference schedule with USF, a game which was postponed.
Lara continues to impress for the Hatters as he is now in the midst of a three game scoring streak in which he has scored four goals in the last three games including a pair of goals in the team's last win, a 3-0 victory over Queens. After winning ASUN Player of the Week last week, Lara continued the effort with goals in both the loss to Embry-Riddle and the draw against Central Arkansas, the latter was a game-tying goal before the half.
With a total of 8 goals and two assists, Lara is the team's leading scorer with 18 points, ranking tied for third in the conference. Andres Mata, who also found the back of the net in the win over Queens, is another key contributor with five goals, one assist, and 11 points.
The Hatters' offensive depth is evident as ten different players have scored goals this season, including Xavi Csato and Gabriel Toro, each with a pair of goals. Additionally, ten players have recorded assists, with Afonso Conde leading the pack with four assists, followed closely by Csato, Charles Ahl, and Gabriel Toro with three each, the latter recorded his third assist in last Wednesday's loss.
Stetson is second in the conference in both goals scored and assists, tallying 24 goals and 21 assists for a total of 69 points. They are second in the league in shots taken, with 196 attempts, and 74 of those on target, thanks in part to Lara's 34 total shots. The team averages 1.85 goals per game and has struck first in seven out of their 13 games.
On the defensive side, the Hatters have allowed 21 goals against, which is tied for fourth fewest in the ASUN. They've recorded four shutouts this season, showcasing their ability to secure their own end of the field. Goalkeeper Nicolo Radaelli, returned to the net for Saturday night's game and faced 13 shots while making two saves. He has made 12 starts for Stetson and has faced 123 shots and made 35 saves, demonstrating his reliability in goal. He's been apart of three solo shutouts and has combined with Michael Smith for a fourth.
Lara, Alvaro Gabancho, Ross Appolon and Radaelli have all been recognized by the conference as Players of the Week throughout the season, the latter having the honor as the first Stetson goalkeeper to win the weekly award.
SCOUTING THE BULLS (3-7-1, 1-3-1 AMERICAN)
The University of South Florida men's soccer team entered the 2023 season with high expectations, as they were projected to finish fourth in the American Conference according to the Preseason Coaches' Poll. Shion Soga Jr.'s recognition as a member of the Preseason All-Conference team only added to the anticipation. However, as the season has unfolded, the Bulls find themselves in eighth place in the conference standings, with a 3-7-1 overall record, including a 1-3-1 record in conference play.
USF's performance has varied, with a 2-4 record at home and a 1-3-1 record on the road. The team is currently on a T1 streak, following a 1-1 draw with Temple on a Saturday afternoon. They faced the conference leader, Charlotte, in the game prior, but the Bulls' sole conference win came in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tulsa on October 5.
While the Bulls have faced tough competition, including notable matchups against #15 Indiana, #6/3 Washington, Clemson, #6/3 SMU, and RV FIU, they have managed to score 11 goals this season in addition to 10 assists. Jalen Anderson has emerged as the go-to scorer for the Bulls, with five goals to his name, leading the team with 10 points. His goal-scoring prowess places him tied for fourth in the American Conference. Ajmeer Spengler, on the other hand, has taken on the role of the set-up man, recording a conference-best five assists while also finding the back of the net himself one time.
The Bulls' offense has seen contributions from several players, with four others finding the back of the net this season. In terms of playmaking, six different Bulls have tallied an assist, with Jemone Barclay ranking second on the team with two assists.
In the goalkeeper position, sophomore Alan Horrocks from Argentina has been the constant presence, starting all 11 games. He has registered 32 saves on 90 shots faced while allowing 18 goals and recording one shutout.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will play their final home game of the 2023 regular season, hosting the Lipscomb Bisons, who top the conference standings. The return to conference play will kick off at 7:30 PM on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Athletic Training Center with live stats available on GoHatters.com
